Over the weekend, the CWA and IBEW negotiated with Verizon to establish a new Hazard Pay agreement during the coronavirus pandemic. This agreement will provide extra compensation for workers on the front line, who must interface with customers and the public.
Employees who do not have the option to work at home are eligible for the extra compensation. Also, Verizon will pay bonuses to these same employees who are on leave of absence because of a medially diagnosed case of COVID 19, or directed to self-quarantine either by Verizon, or by a doctor or government official, because of a suspected case of COVID 19. The bonus will be $300 per week, and may be renegotiated, but will never be less than $300 per week.
This bonus structure is in line with other companies who are offering extra compensation for employees who must work in situations that put them at risk of being infected by the coronavirus or transmitting it to their families.
The unions are pleased Verizon shares the concern we have for these employees and is willing to offer these bonuses to union members who perform the dangerous work of keeping the network intact, and keeping our neighbors, state and local government, and businesses connected during this crisis
